Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025

The Benthic Exchange of O2, N2 and Dissolved Nutrients Using Small Core Incubations
Published on: August 3, 2016
Contaminant fluxes across ecosystems mediated by aquatic insects
Mirco Bundschuh1, Sebastian Pietz2, Alexis P Roodt2
1iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, Landau, D-76829, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, Uppsala, SWE-75007, Sweden.
Abstract:
Metals and organic contaminants in aquatic systems affect the coupling of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through two pathways: contaminant-induced effects on insect emergence and emergence-induced contaminant transfer. Consequently, the impact of aquatic contaminants on terrestrial ecosystems can be driven by modifications in the quantity and quality of adult aquatic insects serving as prey or contaminants entering terrestrial food webs as part of the diet of terrestrial predators. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in the field, separating metals from organic contaminants due to their differential propensity to bioaccumulate and thus their potential contribution to either of the two pathways. Finally, this review highlights the knowledge gap in the relative impact of these pathways on terrestrial insectivores.
Related Concept Videos
What is an Ecosystem?
Bioremediation
Osmoregulation in Insects
What are Biogeochemical Cycles?
Primary Production
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

